Council's former HQ expected to be sold by 2028

A study has found the site is not suitable for a school

The sale of Worcester's County Hall is expected to be completed, subject to planning permission, in about three years, according to a report.

The county council's cabinet authorised the disposal of County Hall in July, subject to an investigation into whether part of it on Spetchley Road should be redeveloped for education.

The feasibility report is complete and did not identify a viable option for educational use, according to draft papers. Bosses are now due to rule out building a secondary or a special educational needs and disabilities school on the site.

The authority said: "It would be reasonable to anticipate final completion on the disposal of the site could be achieved in 2028/29."

An estimated timeline for the sale, which will include market engagement and pre-application advice, could take place next summer, it confirmed.

It is expected about 200 parking spaces will not be part of the sale but be kept for the use of council staff working at nearby offices.

The site closed in June 2024 after the Legionella bacteria was found in its water supply.

Parts of the building had already been closed off by that point, after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered.

Originally the home of Worcestershire County Council, staff now work from home or at nearby Wildwood, and most council meetings take place in Pershore or Kidderminster.